Whittles and Wood: Photo Play and Prompt

Nature is on stage during Autumn’s curtain call. Trees take a bow and we applaud— a show of gratitude for an unforgettable display of beauty and art.

Thanks to everyone who participated in last week’s poetry prompt. Here is a poem from Robbie whose heartfelt words are a fitting tribute to Veteran’s Day:

The old man
Sits and carves
Entrenched lines
Like wrinkles
In the furl of his brow
Layers are stripped
Like mines
As he whittles in time
Slivers curl back as years
With shavings and tears
As remnants fall like shrapnel
To the cutting room floor
In disciplined craftsmanship
The essence of childhood
Is revealed in wood
As the toy soldier stood
The old man salutes what is lost
And what would never be understood

Photo Play Prompt: Take a walk among the Autumn trees. Snap a photograph of the breathtaking display around you. Or perhaps capture the delicate intricacy of leaves, bark, and branches.

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NOTE TO POETS: Looking for your Monday poetry prompt? On Photo Play weeks, it’s right here. Find inspiration from the photo in the post and respond with a poem. Leave your poem in the comment box. We’ll be reading.

Thank you all very much for appreciating and reposting my poem! I’m delighted and honored to have it posted here and am very thankful for so many who have given themselves in service to our country. Thank you and happy Veteran’s Day.

Robbie my friend, it’s so good to see you here, saw the poem on the face book feed, beautiful. I also like the second one you posted as well. Hope all is well with you and family, you inspire me as usual. Love, Marcy

SimplyDarlene,
Girl, I really like this autumn poem you have laid before my eyes. Getting dressed in our warmest clothes, the words so smooth as we ride along taking in each sight. So personal, as if you invited me along.

Autumn,
Time for a brewing.
Host of friends come calling,
Even ones that have died.
Let the Spirits rise.
Fling open the doors,
Scatter old cups and saucers about.
Open the windows,
Let cool, crisp, air move about.
Kick off your shoes,
Come dance to the beat of a drum.
Candles flicker,
Everyone hums.

whittles and wood
once we were all good
all smiles and soft and new
akin to the new spring
advancing quickly in view
as soon as March is in
like a soft new skin
things start out fresh
seeing through the mesh
and heat and the suns retreat
from summer and autumn too
turning again to winter
oh how I wish we too
could each spring be renewed